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In response, Bayer said that the blood clot risk was "known and clearly indicated in the patient information leaflet".

Bayer added that the drug was only supposed to be prescribed for acne, and in the context of a medical consultation addressing all the precautions of use.

In France, Diane-35 is only authorised for the treatment of acne, but its hormone make-up means it could work as a contraceptive by blocking ovulation.

France announced last year that so-called third generation birth-control pills - newer pills that contain variants of the hormone progestin - will no longer be reimbursed by the social security system from March.

Earlier this month, ANSM launched a probe into the use of newer contraceptive pills on the market over fears of blood clots after a woman sued Bayer over an alleged clot caused by her pill.

One French lawyer told French media on Sunday that around 100 women had contacted him, intending to sue both Bayer and ANSM for not raising the alarm sooner.